Liquid Product Dispensing System and Method

ABSTRACT

An embodiment system and method for dispensing multiple dairy products includes a dispenser which houses two or more dairy product bases with different formulations, which may be combined with or without water to create a multitude of homogenous dairy beverages. The two or more dairy product bases may be mixed together first and then separately mixed with water, mixed together simultaneously with water, or mixed together without adding water. They may be mixed together with or without additional flavoring, ingredients, mineral or nutritional additives. The dispenser comprises a pump with a quick-release mechanism to allow for quick and clean maintenance of the system.

BACKGROUND

Milk products generally are composed of five main components; water,protein, fat, minerals, and milk sugar. When processed for consumption,milk can be formulated to contain different percentages of theseindividual components to meet a consumer's nutritional need or flavorpreference. Common formulations of milk beverages include: nonfat(skim), 1%, 2%, whole, ½ and ½, light cream, and heavy cream. Recently,innovative dairy processing technologies have introduced newformulations to target more specific nutritional needs of consumers.These formulations include dairy beverage products that are lactosefree, high protein, high calcium, and reduced milk sugar.

In food service applications it is preferable to include a wide varietyof milk products to meet the needs of different recipes and consumerpreferences. It is not uncommon for a food service provider to inventoryat least five different liquid dairy products to fulfill these needs.

In food service applications beverage dispensing equipment may beutilized to dispense bulk beverages. These dispensers vary fromdispensing soda products, juice, teas, iced coffee, or the like. Theproducts dispensed from this equipment may be concentrated, and may bepackaged, for example, in a bag within a box system that attaches to thedispensing apparatus. Some dispensers may also include a waterconnection that serves to re-constitute the concentrate(s) to thecorrect dilution. These dispensers may also have a refrigeration systemto control the temperature of the stored product concentrate(s) and forcontrolling the temperature of the final beverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other problems are generally solved or circumvented, andtechnical advantages are generally achieved, by preferred embodiments ofthe present invention which provide for a system and method fordispensing beverages.

In accordance with an embodiment, a pump system comprising a first pumproller and a first pump door movable between a first position and asecond position is provided. The first pump door is configured to pumpin conjunction with the first pump roller in the first position. A firstpump handle is configured to movably rotate between a third position andfourth position, wherein the first pump handle is configured to engagethe first pump door with the first pump roller in the first position andto release the first pump door from engaging with the first pump rollerin the second position.

In accordance with another embodiment, a system for dispensing a liquidproduct comprising a first storage container storing a first liquid baseproduct and a first product tube, wherein a first end of the firstproduct tube is coupled to the first storage container, and wherein thefirst liquid base product can pass through the first product tube, isprovided. A first pump tube is coupled to a second end of the firstproduct tube and a first pump is engaged with the first product tubebetween the first end of the first product tube and the second end ofthe first product tube. The first pump further comprises a first pumproller and a first pump door on an opposite side of the first producttube from the first pump roller, wherein the first pump door can rotatefrom a closed position to an open position, wherein the first pump dooris engaged with the first pump tube in the closed position.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a system for dispensing aliquid dairy product comprising a first milk base product in a firstmilk base product package and a second milk base product in a secondmilk base product package is provided. A mixing chamber is connected toreceive the first milk base product from the first milk base productpackage and is also connected to receive the second milk base productfrom the second milk base product package, wherein the mixing chambercomprises a first entrance to receive the first milk base product, asecond entrance to receive the second milk base product, and an outletto output a first dairy product. A nozzle is connected to the outlet ofthe mixing chamber, and a water source connected to the nozzle, whereinthe nozzle outputs a second dairy product.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of dispensing abeverage comprising pumping a first component into a mixing chamber andpumping a second component into the mixing chamber, the second componentmixing with the first component to make a first concentrate, isprovided. The first concentrate is flowed from the mixing chamber into anozzle, and the first concentrate is mixed with water at the nozzle toform a first drink. The first drink is dispensed.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method for changingmaterials in a beverage dispensing system comprising rotating a pumpdoor handle to release a pump door and moving the pump door to disengagethe pump door from a first product base tube located between the pumpdoor and a pump roller is provided. The first product base tube isremoved from between the pump door and the pump roller, and a secondproduct base tube is placed between the pump door and the pump roller.The pump door handle is rotated to engage the pump door with the secondproduct base tube and the pump roller.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a system for dispensing aliquid product comprising a first storage container storing a firstliquid base product and a first product tube is provided. The firstproduct tube comprises a first docking fitment coupled to the firststorage container through a first gland and a first central tubingsection coupled to the first docking fitment. A first pump tube iscoupled to the first central tubing section and a first pump is engagedwith the first central tubing section, wherein the first pump furthercomprises a first pump roller and a first pump door on an opposite sideof the first central tubing section from the first pump roller, whereinthe first pump door can rotate from a closed position to an openposition, wherein the first pump door is engaged with the first centraltubing section in the closed position.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method for changing tubingin a beverage dispensing system comprising rotating a pump door handleto release a pump door and moving the pump door to disengage the pumpdoor from a pump roller is provided. A first docking fitment is insertedinto a first gland of a first product base package, the first dockingfitment being coupled to a first center tubing section of a firstproduct base tube. The first center tubing section is placed between thepump door and the pump roller, and the pump door handle is rotated toengage the pump door with the first center tubing section.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of an illustrative embodiment in order that the detaileddescription that follows may be better understood. Additional featuresand advantages of an illustrative embodiment will be describedhereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatthe conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilizedas a basis for modifying or designing other structures or processes forcarrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should alsobe realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of theillustrative embodiments as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a illustrates a block diagram of a liquid product dispensingsystem in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 1 b illustrates a flow chart for dispensing liquid from the liquidproduct dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of internal components of theliquid product dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of internal components of the liquidproduct dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid product dispensingsystem in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of internal components of the liquidproduct dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate an embodiment of a liquid base productpackaging and tube system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a mixing chamber and nozzle inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIGS. 8 a-8 c illustrate a quick release tube change pump system in aclosed configuration and an open configuration, respectively, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIGS. 9 a-9 b illustrate another embodiment of the first liquid baseproduct tube system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIGS. 10 a-10 c illustrate a second docking fitment with a gland inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIGS. 11 a-11 c illustrate a packaging fitment in accordance with anembodiment;

FIGS. 12 a-12 b illustrate connections of the first liquid base producttube system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates the placement of the first liquid base product tubesystem within the liquid product dispensing system in accordance with anembodiment;

FIGS. 14 a-14 d illustrate block diagrams of sensor and controlinterfaces of a microcontroller and processor, respectively, inaccordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a user interface and button configuration inaccordance with an embodiment.

Corresponding numerals and symbols in the different figures generallyrefer to corresponding parts unless otherwise indicated. The figures aredrawn to clearly illustrate the relevant aspects of the embodiments andare not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The making and using of the presently preferred embodiments arediscussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that thepresent embodiments provide many applicable inventive concepts that canbe embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to makeand use the embodiments, and do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

Embodiments will be described with respect to a specific context, namelya liquid dairy product dispensing system. Other embodiments may also beapplied, however, to other dispensing systems that dispense other liquidproducts.

With reference now to FIG. 1 a, there is shown a block diagram of aliquid product dispensing system 100 to dispense a liquid such as adairy product. In an embodiment, the liquid product dispensing system100 includes a product chamber 1 for storing one or more liquid baseproducts and a chilled water tank 20 for storing a chilled liquid.Additionally, the liquid product dispensing system 100 includes arefrigeration system 70 for controlling the temperature of the chilledwater tank 20 which in turn is utilized to control the temperature ofthe product chamber 1.

In an embodiment the product chamber 1 includes a first liquid baseproduct 2, a second liquid base product 3, a first pump 4, a second pump9, one or more circulation fans 22, a product chamber heat exchanger 16,a mixing chamber 10, and a nozzle 11. The first liquid base product 2and the second liquid base product 3 comprise liquid products stored ina first liquid base product packaging 6 and a second liquid base productpackaging 74, respectively (not illustrated in FIG. 1 a but illustratedand discussed below with respect to FIG. 6 a). In an embodiment, thefirst liquid base product 2 and the second liquid base product 3 includedairy products, juice, beverage concentrate, or other liquids.

In an embodiment, the first liquid base product 2 and the second liquidbase product 3 are utilized by the liquid product dispensing system 100to dispense liquid dairy products. Traditional liquid dairy productsrange from about 0-40% in milk-fat content. Federal milk orders requirenon-fat milk contain a minimum of about 8.25% milk solids non-fat(MSNF). It is possible with modern filtration techniques to increase thelevel of MSNF to greater than about 20% by removing the water withreverse osmosis.

To obtain these desired types of dairy products, in an embodiment thefirst liquid base product 2 includes a cream component that contains adairy product high in milk-fat, such as greater than about 28.5%milk-fat or greater than about 36% milk-fat, with a solids non-fatcomponent of about 11%. Additionally, the second liquid base product 3includes a concentrated or non-concentrated skim component that containsa dairy product high in MSNF, such as a minimum of about 25% MSNF, and amilk-fat component of about 0.5% milk-fat. By combining the first liquidbase product 2 and the second liquid base product 3, and possibly water,any desired formulation of dairy products may be obtained. However, theamount and concentrations described are intended to be illustrative onlyand are not intended to be limiting, as any suitable combination ofmilk-fat, solids non-fat, and/or other components may alternative beutilized.

However, although the present embodiment describes only two liquid baseproducts, additional liquid base products, such as a third liquid baseproduct, a fourth liquid base product, or more liquid base products, arealso within the contemplated scope of this disclosure. These additionalbase products could include additional dairy bases, flavor additives,enhanced nutrient bases, other complimentary ingredients, the like, or acombination thereof. In addition, various stabilizers can be added toliquid dairy bases to increase quality and shelf life of the product.Some of these additives include sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), kappacarrageenan, the like, or a combination thereof.

To dispense the first liquid base product 2 and the second liquid baseproduct 3, the liquid product dispensing system 100 activates the firstpump 4 and the second pump 9, respectively, to pump the first liquidbase product 2 and the second liquid base product 3 to a common mixingchamber 10. The first liquid base product 2 and the second liquid baseproduct 3 are mixed in the mixing chamber 10 before the water routedfrom the chilled water tank 20 is mixed with the combined first liquidbase product 2 and second liquid base product 3. The combined mixture isthen sent to the nozzle 11 before being dispensed from the liquidproduct dispensing system 100.

FIG. 1 b illustrates an embodiment of such a dispensing process. In afirst dispensing step 102, the first liquid base product 2 is pumpedinto the mixing chamber 10. In a second dispensing step 104, which maybe performed either simultaneously with or separately from the firstdispensing step 102, the second liquid base product 3 is pumped into themixing chamber 10. In a third dispensing step 106, the first liquid baseproduct 2 and the second liquid base product 3 are mixed in the mixingchamber 10 to form a first concentrate. In a fourth dispensing step 108,the first concentrate is flowed from the mixing chamber 10 to the nozzle11 and, in a fifth dispensing step 110, the first concentrate is mixedwith water at the nozzle 11 to form a first drink. In a sixth dispensingstep 112, the first drink is dispensed from the nozzle 11.

The nozzle 11 is any suitable nozzle that allows for the control of thedispensing of the mixture as well as allowing for the mixing of thecombined first liquid base product 2 and the second liquid base product3 and water. One suitable nozzle 11 that may be used is described inU.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0236361, which publication is herebyincorporated herein by reference. However, any other suitable nozzle 11can alternatively be utilized. Additionally, other devices and methodsdescribed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0236361 may be combinedwith the embodiments disclosed herein as appropriate.

The refrigeration system 70 is utilized to control the temperaturewithin the chilled water tank 20 and in an embodiment includes acompressor 13, a condenser 14, and a capillary tube 15. Therefrigeration system 70 is coupled to an evaporator coil 19 within thechilled water tank 20. Refrigerant travels through a re-circulatingrefrigerant line from the refrigeration system 70 and through theevaporator coil 19 within the chilled water tank 20. The evaporator coil19 is placed within the chilled water tank 20 to create an ice bank (notshown) which cools the water within the chilled water tank 20 tofreezing temperatures. The chilled water tank 20 is kept from completelyfreezing by an agitator 21. The agitator 21 creates agitation with apump, a rotating impeller, a combination thereof, or the like.

To control the temperature of the product chamber 1, a water pump 17 isused to pump the chilled water from the chilled water tank 20 into theproduct chamber heat exchanger 16 within the product chamber 1. Theproduct chamber heat exchanger 16 is used to remove heat from theproduct chamber 1 and its contents, such as the first liquid baseproduct 2 and the second liquid base product 3, before returning thewater to the chilled water tank 20, keeping the temperature of theproduct chamber 1 within a desired temperature range, such as between32° F. and 40° F. Air is circulated through the product chamber heatexchanger 16 within the product chamber 1 by the one or more circulationfans 22 located within the product chamber 1. In an embodiment, thewater pump 17 is submersed in the chilled water tank 20. In anotherembodiment, the water pump 17 is outside of the chilled water tank 20.

Additionally, pumping chilled water from the chilled water tank 20 ismerely one possible method that may be utilized to control thetemperature of the product chamber 1 and its contents. In anotherembodiment, the product chamber 1 is cooled by other methods, such as bypumping cold air from the evaporator coil 19 through a duct to theproduct chamber 1. Alternatively, in some embodiments the water iswarmed through a water heater instead of chilled and used to deliver hotwater to the product chamber 1 to supply a hot product. All suchsuitable alternatives are fully intended to be included within the scopeof the embodiments.

The chilled water tank 20 is also used to chill incoming drinking watervia a water inlet 23 and a drinking water heat exchanger 18. In anembodiment, the drinking water heat exchanger 18 includes a submergedstainless steel coil located within the chilled water tank 20. Theincoming drinking water from the water inlet 23 is then routed throughthe drinking water heat exchanger 18 to be chilled before being sent tothe nozzle 11 to be mixed with the output from the mixing chamber 10,such as the mixture of the first liquid base product 2 and/or the secondliquid base product 3. Water is also replaced in the chilled water tank20 through the water inlet 23 and a water valve 37.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid product dispensingsystem 100. In an embodiment the first liquid base product 2 and thesecond liquid base product 3 are stored in a first liquid base productpackaging 6 and a second liquid base product packaging 74 (describedbelow in more detail with respect to FIG. 6 a), respectively, within theproduct chamber 1. As illustrated with a side panel removed, the chilledwater tank 20 is located adjacent the compressor 13. In accordance withmaintaining a high level of sanitation within the liquid productdispensing system 100, it may be desirable to remove cracks, crevices,and pockets within the product splash zone where liquid can collect. Aflat gasket door system 12 manufactured from closed cell foam providesan acceptable air seal for the product chamber 1 without the seamsassociated with traditional refrigerator gasket designs.

Additionally, a service switch 30 may be included for use by a servicetechnician. In an embodiment a service technician uses the serviceswitch 30 to access programming modes from a user interface 59 (notillustrated in FIG. 2 but illustrated and discussed below with respectto FIG. 15). This programming mode is utilized to calibrate the liquidproduct dispensing system 100, for trouble shooting problems with theliquid product dispensing system 100, and to collect data from theliquid product dispensing system 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the liquid product dispensing system100 including the one or more circulation fans 22, the first pump 4, thesecond pump 9, a first pump tube 7, a second pump tube 8, and the mixingchamber 10. In an embodiment the first liquid base product 2 and thesecond liquid base product 3 are pumped from the first liquid baseproduct packaging 6 and the second liquid base product packaging 74,respectively, using a fluid delivery system. In an embodiment, the fluiddelivery system includes the first pump tube 7, the second pump tube 8,the first pump 4, and the second pump 9 to transfer the first liquidbase product 2 and the second liquid base product 3 from the firstliquid base product packaging 6 and the second liquid base productpackaging 74 to the mixing chamber 10.

The mixing chamber 10 receives the first liquid base product 2 and thesecond liquid base product 3 and mixes them together. In an embodiment,the mixing chamber 10 only mixes the first liquid base product 2 and thesecond liquid base product 3 without additional products or otheradditives. If drinking water is desired to be mixed, the incomingdrinking water is introduced separately and mixed with the combinedfirst liquid base product 2 and the second liquid base product 3 afterthe mixing chamber 10, such as in the air before entering a finalbeverage container, or in the nozzle 11 (see FIG. 7).

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the outer components of theliquid product dispensing system 100 according to an embodiment in whichthe liquid product dispensing system 100 includes a main housing 64, adoor 61, a door latch 62, a user interface 59 (discussed further belowwith respect to FIGS. 14 a-d and 15), and a drip tray 63. The door latch62 secures the door 61 to the main housing 64 of the liquid productdispensing system 100. When the door 61 is open (see FIG. 2), itprovides access to the product chamber 1 for changing the first liquidbase product 2 and/or the second liquid base product 3, cleaning theproduct chamber 1, or performing maintenance on components in theproduct chamber 1, such as the first pump 4 and the second pump 9. Thedrip tray 63 collects spilled or splashed liquid and provides a surfaceto place a beverage container during liquid product dispensation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of internal components of the liquidproduct dispensing system 100 according to an embodiment. In thisembodiment, the compressor 13 is mounted to the bottom of the mainhousing 64 (see FIG. 4) of the liquid product dispensing system 100. Thecapillary tube 15, the condenser 14, and a compressor fan 81 are locatedabove the compressor 13. The drinking water heat exchanger 18 and theevaporator coil 19 are adjacent the compressor 13 and mounted to asidewall of the main housing 64. The circulation fans 22 are at the backof the first liquid base product packaging 6 (not visible in FIG. 5) andthe second liquid base product packaging 74, and the product chamberheat exchanger 16 is below the first liquid base product packaging 6 andthe second liquid base product packaging 74. The second pump 9 and afirst pump RPM sensor 27 are also just below the second liquid baseproduct packaging 74.

However, the configuration and placement described above with respect toFIGS. 2-5 are merely one possible configuration that may be utilized.Any other suitable configuration that allows for the placement andoperation of the various components may alternatively be utilized. Thesealternative configurations are fully intended to be included within thescope of the embodiments.

FIG. 6 a illustrates the first liquid base product packaging 6 with anattached first liquid base product tube system 5. In an embodiment thefirst liquid base product packaging 6 includes a bag disposed within abox, a plastic container, or the like. The first liquid base productpackaging 6 is a disposable bag manufactured from food safe materialsthat serve to eliminate exposure to external elements such as air, watervapor, and light. These food safe bags are manufactured from materialscertified by the FDA to be considered food safe. These materials includelinear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, and may be laminated with additional protective barriersincluding metalized polyester.

In an alternative embodiment, the first liquid base product packaging 6is a plastic container that fits within the product chamber 1. Theplastic container could be filled by the end user at the food serviceprovider's location or pre-filled before reaching the food serviceprovider's location. Any suitable container that holds and protects thefirst liquid base product 2 and allows the first liquid base product 2to be dispensed is fully intended to be included within the scope of theembodiments.

FIG. 6 b illustrates the first liquid base product tube system 5 ingreater detail. The first liquid base product tube system 5 is utilizedto connect the first liquid base product packaging 6 to the first pumptube 7 (not illustrated in FIGS. 6 a-6 b but illustrated and describedbelow with respect to FIG. 7). In an embodiment the first liquid baseproduct tube system 5 includes a first connector 83 on a first end thatallows the first liquid base product tube system 5 to be eitherpermanently connected and or else removably connected to the firstliquid base product packaging 6 utilizing, e.g., a force fit, a threadedconnection, or the like. The first liquid base product tube system 5also has a second end 80 that remains free for connection to the firstpump tube 7. A support 84 is also included to assist in the placementand support of the first liquid base product tube system 5.

In an embodiment, the first liquid base product tube system 5 isdisposable to maintain a high level of sanitation. In anotherembodiment, the first liquid base product tube system 5 is reusable andmay be rinsed or cleaned between changes of the first liquid baseproduct packaging 6. This disposable tubing may be manufactured from amaterial suitable for use with dairy products and, in an embodiment inwhich the first pump 4 and the second pump 9 are peristaltic pumps (asdescribed below with respect to FIG. 8), the first liquid base producttube system 5 is an elastomeric material that maintains its shape (e.g.,a circular cross-section), after many cycles within the peristalticpumps. For example, the first liquid base product tube system 5 mayinclude such materials as tygon tubing, silicone tubing, kratonmaterials, and elastomers such as silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),EPDM+polypropylene, polyurethane, Neoprene, combinations or these, orthe like.

Alternatively, the first liquid base product tube system 5 includes anelastomeric tube with a chemically resistant lining, such as a lining ofpoly-olefin or polytetrafluoroethylene. The chemically resistant liningis used to keep the exterior portion of the elastomeric tube isolatedfrom coming into contact with the first liquid base product 2 as thefirst liquid base product 2 is pumped through the first liquid baseproduct tube system 5. In yet another embodiment, the first liquid baseproduct tube system 5 may include an elastomer material such asfluoroelastomer tubing. Any suitable material or combination ofmaterials may alternatively be utilized for the first liquid baseproduct tube system 5, and all such materials are fully intended to beincluded within the scope of the embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates the first liquid base product packaging 6, the firstliquid base product tube system 5, a second liquid base productpackaging 74, and a second liquid base product tube system 72 installedin the liquid product dispensing system 100. In an embodiment the secondliquid base product packaging 74 and the second liquid base product tubesystem 72 is similar to the first liquid base product packaging 6 andthe first liquid base product tube system 5, respectively. For example,the second liquid base product packaging 74 is a bag disposed with a boxand the second liquid base product tube system 72 is a disposable tubingthat includes a connector for connection to the second liquid baseproduct packaging 74. However, in other embodiments the second liquidbase product packaging 74 and the second liquid base product tube system72 are different from the first liquid base product packaging 6 and thefirst liquid base product tube system 5.

The first liquid base product tube system 5 is installed around thefirst pump 4, and the second end 80 of the first liquid base producttube system 5 is connected to the first pump tube 7. Similarly, thesecond liquid base product tube system 72 is installed around the secondpump 9 and connected to the second pump tube 8. The first pump tube 7and the second pump tube 8 direct the first liquid base product 2 andthe second liquid base product 3 to the mixing chamber 10 and then tothe nozzle 11.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b illustrate an enlarged view of the second pump 9 andhelp to illustrate an opening and closing of the second pump 9 thatallows for a quick-change of the second liquid base product tube system72 from the second pump 9. Additionally, while only the second pump 9 isillustrated in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, it should be understood that similaroperations and structures may be associated with the first pump 4 aswell, although the first pump 4 may alternatively have other types ofconnections and replacement procedures if desired.

In an embodiment, the second pump 9 is a positive-displacement pump suchas a peristaltic pump and may comprise a pump door 53, a door link 52, afirst pump handle 54, and a pump roller 55. In an embodiment in whichthe second pump 9 is a peristaltic pump, the pump roller 55 may includea circular pump casing (not shown) that has a number of rollers, shoes,or wipers, attached to the external circumference of the circular pumpcasing. When the pump roller 55 is engaged with the second liquid baseproduct tube system 72, the rollers attached to the externalcircumference of the circular pump casing turn in relation to the secondliquid base product tube system 72 and places a part of the secondliquid base product tube system 72 under compression, which serves tosqueeze, pinch or occlude the second liquid base product tube system 72and forces the second liquid base product 3 within the second liquidbase product tube system 72 to be pumped through the second liquid baseproduct tube system 72. Additionally, after the rollers have passed, thesecond liquid base product tube system 72 will expand back out to itsnatural form and additional fluid flow is induced through peristalsis.

The amount of squeeze that is applied to the second liquid base producttube system 72 is determined by a minimum gap between the roller and thepump door 53 (when the pump door 53 is engaged) along with the thicknessof the second liquid base product tube system 72. In an embodiment inwhich the second liquid base product tube system 72 has a wall thicknessof between about 0.06 inches and about 0.07 inches, such as about 0.065inches, the minimum gap between the roller and the pump door 53 isbetween about 0.105 inches and about 0.115 inches, such as about 0.11inches.

However, as one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the abovedescribed specifications for the second liquid base product tube system72 are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to limitthe embodiments. Rather, any other suitable alternative specificationsfor the second liquid base product tube system 72 that allows the secondliquid base product tube system 72 to be utilized may alternatively beused and are fully intended to be included within the scope of theembodiments.

Additionally, in an embodiment the rollers are either fixed occlusionrollers or spring-loaded rollers. In a fixed occlusion roller embodimentthe rollers have a fixed locus as they turn, keeping the spacing betweenthe rollers and the pump door 53 constant but allowing the occlusion tovary as the thickness of the second liquid base product tube system 72varies. In an embodiment utilizing spring-loaded rollers the rollers aremounted on springs, which imparts the same amount of stress on thetubing regardless of the varying thickness of the second liquid baseproduct tube system 72. These and any other suitable designs mayalternatively be utilized for the rollers of the second pump 9.

The second pump 9 may have one or more rollers, shoes, or wipers, topump the second liquid base product 3 through the second liquid baseproduct tube system 72. In an embodiment the second pump 9 may have 2,3, 8, or 12 rollers equally spaced around the circular pump casing.Increasing the number of rollers around the circular pump casingincreases the frequency that the pumped fluid is output, and increasesthe amplitude of pulsing. However, increasing the number of rollers alsoincreases the number of occlusions, or squeezes, that the rollers applyto the second liquid base product tube system 72, thereby shortening theoverall life span of the second liquid base product tube system 72.

However, the second pump 9 is not limited to the number of rollersdescribed above. Any suitable number of rollers may alternatively beutilized. For example, in an alternative embodiment a single roller isutilized in a 360 degree eccentric design for the second pump, and inother embodiments a greater or fewer number of rollers, shoes, or wipersthan the numbers described herein may also be used. All such numbers anddesigns are fully intended to be included within the scope of theembodiments.

During operation, the second pump 9 will rotate the circular pump casingand the rollers such that the rollers pump the second liquid baseproduct 3 through the second liquid base product tube system 72 at adesired flow rate. This flow rate is determined by many factors such asthe inner diameter of the second liquid base product tube system 72, thelength of the second liquid base product tube system 72 from an initialpinch point to a final release point, and the revolutions per minute(RPMs) of the rollers. The desired flow rate for the second liquid baseproduct 3 is dependent at least in part on the desired recipe and amountchosen by a user (as described in greater detail below).

By using a peristaltic pump for the second pump 9, cross-contaminationbetween the parts of the second pump 9 and the second liquid baseproduct 3 is less likely occur. In particular, because the rollers pumpthe second liquid base product 3 as the second liquid base product 3remains within the second liquid base product tube system 72, none ofthe parts of the second pump 9 actually come into physical contact withthe second liquid base product 3. As such, less contamination ispossible and a purer product may be moved.

However, while the second pump 9 is described above as being a circularperistaltic pump, the second pump 9 is not intended to be limited assuch. Any suitable pump that separates the second liquid base product 3from the pump parts and limits the possibility of cross-contamination,may alternatively be used. For example, a linear peristaltic pump orother pumps may also be utilized. This and any other suitable pump maybe utilized while still remaining within the scope of the embodiments.

FIG. 8 a illustrates an opening of the second pump 9, in which theopening of the second pump 9 allows for the placement the second liquidbase product tube system 72 into the second pump 9 or for the removal ofthe second liquid base product tube system 72 from the second pump 9. Inthis embodiment, to open the second pump 9 the user rotates the firstpump handle 54 in a clockwise direction (represented in FIG. 8 a by thearrow labeled 76) from a closed position to an open position to releasethe pump door 53. With the first pump handle 54 in the open position,the door link 52 allows the pump door 53 to swing away from the pumproller 55 with enough clearance to disengage the pump door 53 from thepump roller 55 and the second liquid base product tube system 72 and toremove the second liquid base product tube system 72. The user thendisconnects the second liquid base product tube system 72 from thesecond pump tube 8 and removes the second liquid base product tubesystem 72 from the second pump 9. In an embodiment, the connectionbetween the second liquid base product tube system 72 and the secondpump tube 8 is a quick connect connection.

FIG. 8 b illustrates a closing of the second pump 9 after the secondliquid base product tube system 72 has been placed back into the secondpump 9. In an embodiment the second liquid base product tube system 72that was removed is disposed of and a new second liquid base producttube system 72 than the one that had been removed is placed in to thesecond pump 9. By using disposable tubes, the second liquid base producttube system 72 are kept more sterile than if the same second liquid baseproduct tube system 72 is reused. However, if desired, the same secondliquid base product tube system 72 may be utilized after it has beenremoved and cleaned.

To close the second pump 9, the user connects the second liquid baseproduct tube system 72 to the second pump tube 8 and places the secondliquid base product tube system 72 between the pump door 53 and the pumproller 55. The user then rotates the first pump handle 54 in acounterclockwise direction (represented in FIG. 8 b by the arrow labeled78) to a closed position to re-engage the pump door 53 with the secondliquid base product tube system 72 and the pump roller 55. With thefirst pump handle 54 in the closed position, the door link 52 and thepump door 53 allow the pump roller 55 to engage the second liquid baseproduct tube system 72 and rotate in order to pump the second liquidbase product 3 from the second liquid base product packaging 74, throughthe second liquid base product tube system 72, through the second pumptube 8, and to the mixing chamber 10 (see FIG. 3).

However, as one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the precisestructures such as the door link 72 described above to engage the pumpdoor 53 with the second liquid base product tube system 72 are intendedto be illustrative and are not intended to be limit the embodiments.Rather, any suitable structures that can aid in the movement of the pumpdoor 53 to re-engage the pump door 53 with the second liquid baseproduct tube system 72, such as guide pins, may alternatively beutilized, and all such structures are fully intended to be includedwithin the scope of the embodiments.

In an embodiment, while performing the quick-change of the second liquidbase product tube system 72, the user removes the second liquid baseproduct packaging 74 and the second liquid base product tube system 72at the same time and as a single component without detaching the secondliquid base product tube system 72 from the second liquid base productpackaging 74. In another embodiment, the user disconnects the secondliquid base product tube system 72 from the second liquid base productpackaging 74 and the second pump tube 8 before removing the secondliquid base product packaging 74 from the product chamber 1. Anysuitable combination of removal of parts may be utilized, and all suchcombinations are fully intended to be included within the scope of theembodiment.

Additionally, while the quick change feature has been discussed inreference to the second pump 9 and the second pump tube 8, it should beunderstood that the steps described above are equally applicable to thefirst pump 4 and the first pump tube 7. The direction a user rotates asecond pump handle (not illustrated) on the first pump 4 may be oppositethe direction used on the first pump handle 54 of the second pump 9. Forexample, a user rotates the second pump handle on the first pump 4counterclockwise to open the first pump 4 and remove the first liquidbase product tube system 5 and clockwise to close the first pump 4 andengage the first liquid base product tube system 5. However, anysuitable direction of rotation, or combination of rotations, mayalternatively be utilized.

FIG. 8 c illustrates a flow chart that summarizes the steps in a quickchange feature of the second pump 9. In a first pump change step 90 thefirst pump handle 54 is rotated. In a second pump change step 91 thepump door 53 is disengaged, and in a third pump change step 92 theliquid base product tube is disconnected from the second pump tube 8and, optionally, from the second liquid base product packaging 74. In afourth pump change step 93 the liquid base product tube system 72 isremoved from the second pump 9. In a fifth pump change step 94 a newliquid base product tube system 72 is placed between the pump door 53and the pump roller 55. Finally, in a sixth pump change step 95, thefirst pump handle 54 is rotated to engage the pump door 53 with the pumproller 55.

FIGS. 9 a-9 b illustrate another embodiment of the first liquid baseproduct tube system 5 which design helps the first liquid base producttube system 5 be easily removable from the liquid product dispensingsystem 100, with FIG. 9 b being a cross-sectional view along line F-F inFIG. 9 a. In this embodiment the first liquid base product tube system 5may comprise a first central tubing section 103 with a first dockingfitment 101 on a first end and a second docking fitment 105 on anopposing end of the first central tubing section 103 from the firstdocking fitment 101. The first central tubing section 103 is a flexiblesection of tubing that has two female ends for attachment to the firstdocking fitment 101 and the second docking fitment 105 and is made ofsimilar materials as the first liquid base product tube system 5discussed above with respect to FIG. 6 b (e.g., an elastomeric materialsuch as tygon tubing). However, the first central tubing section 103 mayalternatively be any other suitable material for the dispensing ofliquids.

The first docking fitment 101 is attached to one end of the firstcentral tubing section 103 in order to provide a connection between thefirst central tubing section 103 and a first packaging fitment 109attached to the first liquid base product packaging 6 (not illustratedin FIGS. 9 a-9 b but illustrated and discussed further below withrespect to FIGS. 11 a-12 b). In an embodiment the first docking fitment101 is a male docking fitment for receiving liquid once it is insertedinto the first packaging fitment 109 and may be made from similarmaterials as the product packaging 6 such as linear low densitypolyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like.Additionally, the first docking fitment 101 also comprises barb flanges104 which extend beyond the first central tubing section 103 and whichare used to capture and hold the first docking fitment 101 (and theoverall first liquid base product tube system 5) to the remainder of theliquid product dispensing system 100 when installed and ready for use.

In an embodiment the first docking fitment 101 is permanently attachedto the first central tubing section 103 using, e.g., a force fitconnection between a male portion of the first docking fitment 101 andthe female portion of the first central tubing section 103. However, aforce fit is not the only suitable type of connection, and other typesof connections, such as threaded connections, may alternatively be used.Additionally, any other suitable non-permanent type of connection mayalso be utilized.

Opposite the first docking fitment 101, the second docking fitment 105is attached to the first central tubing section 103 in order to providea connection between the first central tubing section 103 and the firstpump tube 7. In an embodiment in which the first pump tube 7 is a maleconnector, the second docking fitment 105 is a female docking fitmentthat receives the first pump tube 7. Additionally, the second dockingfitment 105 may have a handling flange 106 that allows for easiercontrol and handling of the second docking fitment 105 (and the overallfirst liquid base product tube system 5) during installation and removalof the first liquid base product tube system 5. The second dockingfitment 105 is sized and shaped in order to connect to the first centraltubing section 103 and the first pump tube 7 and, similar to the firstdocking fitment 101, is permanently attached to the first central tubingsection 103 using, e.g, a force fit between a male portion of the seconddocking fitment 105 and the female end of the first central tubingsection 103, although any other suitable method of attaching the seconddocking fitment 105 to the first central tubing section 103 mayalternatively be utilized.

FIGS. 10 a-10 c illustrate a top-down, side-view, and cross-sectionalview, respectively, of the second docking fitment 105, with FIG. 10 cillustrating a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 b along line D-D. As canbe seen in FIG. 10 a, the second docking fitment 105 has a firstexternal casing 108 that allows for the placement and retention of thesecond docking fitment 105 with the first central tubing section 103. Inan embodiment the first external casing 108 of the second dockingfitment 105 may be made from similar materials as the product packaging6 such as linear low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene,polypropylene, or the like, although different materials mayalternatively be utilized.

Additionally, the second docking fitment 105 has a first gland 107surrounded by the first external casing 108 that allows for theinsertion and removal of the first pump tube 7 without significant lossof any fluid that may be within the first liquid base product tubesystem 5. In an embodiment the first gland 107 may stretch across thesecond docking fitment 105 perpendicular to a desired flow of fluid whenthe first liquid base product tube system 5 is not installed, therebysealing the first liquid base product tube system 5.

In an embodiment the first gland 107 is made from a flexible materialsuch as silicone and has a series of first slits 112 formed radiatingout from a center of the first gland 107. By using such as flexiblematerial along with the first slits 112, when the first pump tube 7 isinserted into the second docking fitment 105, the first pump tube 7 willdisplace the first gland 107 along these first slits 124 such that thefirst gland 107 will stretch over the first pump tube 7 and create anopening in the first gland 107 through which liquid can flow duringoperation. Similarly, during removal of the first liquid base producttube system 5, the second docking fitment 105 will be removed from thefirst pump tube 7, and the first gland 107 will retract back into itsoriginal shape across the flow of fluid, thereby sealing the first gland107 and preventing any additional undesired flow of fluid through thefirst gland 107 after the first liquid base product tube system 5 hasbeen removed from the liquid product dispensing system 100.

FIGS. 11 a-11 c illustrate a top down, a side-view, and across-sectional view, respectively, of a first packaging fitment 109that is used with the first docking fitment 101 in order to connect thefirst liquid base product tube system 5 to the first liquid base productpackaging 6 (this connection is not illustrated in FIGS. 11 a-11 c butis illustrated and discussed below with respect to FIGS. 12 a-12 b),with FIG. 11 c being a cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 b along line C-C.In an embodiment the first packaging fitment 109 comprises, similar tothe second docking fitment 105, a second external casing 110 surroundinga second gland 111. The second external casing 130 is a material similarto the first liquid base product packaging 6 (e.g, LLDPE or the like)and is sized and shaped in order to connect to the first liquid baseproduct tube system 5 using, e.g, a permanent connection such as a forcefit, although any other suitable type of connection may also beutilized. In another embodiment, the second external casing 110 may bemanufactured as part of the first liquid base product packaging 6, andno attachment is required.

Additionally, the first packaging fitment 109 also comprises the secondgland 111, which extends across a desired flow of fluid and prevents theflow of liquid when the first liquid base product tube system 5 is notinstalled. Similar to the first gland 107, the second gland 111 is aflexible material such as silicone, although other materials mayalternatively be utilized and may comprise second slits 113. When thefirst docking fitment 101 is inserted into the first packaging fitment109, the first docking fitment 101 will stretch the second gland 111open along the second slits 113, thereby allowing fluid to flow out ofthe first liquid base product packaging 6 and into the first liquid baseproduct tube system 5.

FIGS. 12 a-12 b illustrate the relative positions of the first liquidbase product packaging 6, the first packaging fitment 109, the firstdocking fitment 101, the first central tubing section 103, the seconddocking fitment 105, the first pump tube 7, and the nozzle 11, with FIG.12 b illustrating a cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 a. Additionallyillustrated in FIGS. 12 a-12 b is the second liquid base productpackaging 74 with a second packaging fitment 115 connected to a secondliquid base product tube system 72, wherein the second liquid baseproduct tube system 72 comprises a third docking fitment 117, a secondcentral tubing section 119, and a fourth docking fitment 121 connectedto a second pump tube 8. In an embodiment the second packaging fitment115 is similar to the first packaging fitment 109, the third dockingfitment 117 is similar to the first docking fitment 101, the secondcentral tubing section 119 is similar to the first central tubingsection 103, and the fourth docking fitment 121 is similar to the seconddocking fitment 105.

As can be seen in FIGS. 12 a-12 b, in an embodiment the first packagingfitment 109 is connected to the first liquid base product packaging 6,and the first docking fitment 101 is connected between the firstpackaging fitment 109 and the first central tubing section 103. Theother end of the first central tubing section 103 is connected to thesecond docking fitment 105, which is connected to the first pump tube 7.When the first docking fitment 101 is inserted into the first packagingfitment 109, the first docking fitment 101 will stretch the second gland111 within the first packaging fitment 109 in order to allow fluid toflow into the first central tubing section 103. Additionally, when thefirst pump tube 7 is inserted into the second docking fitment 105, thefirst pump tube 7 will stretch and expand the first gland 107 within thesecond docking fitment 105, thereby allowing fluid to flow from thefirst central tubing section 103 into the nozzle 11. These connectionsallow for a flow of fluid directly from the first liquid base productpackaging 6 to the nozzle 11, controlled by the first pump 4 (notillustrated in FIGS. 12 a-12 b). Similarly, the second liquid baseproduct packaging 74, the second packaging fitment 115, the thirddocking fitment 117, the second central tubing section 119, the fourthdocking fitment 121, and the second pump tube 8 may be connected in asimilar fashion in order to allow fluid to flow from the second liquidbase product packaging 74 to the nozzle 11, controlled by the secondpump 9.

FIG. 13 illustrates the placement of this embodiment of the first liquidbase product tube system 5 and the second liquid base product tubesystem 72 within the liquid product dispensing system 100. In anembodiment the first liquid base product tube system 5 may be installedusing the methodology described above with respect to FIG. 8 c, in whichthe second pump handle may be rotated to open the first pump 4, any oldtubing is removed, the first liquid base product tube system 5 may beattached to the first liquid base product packaging 6 by inserting thefirst docking fitment 101 into the first packaging fitment 109 and isattached to the first pump tube 7 by inserting the first pump tube 7into the second docking fitment 105. Additionally, the barb flanges 104on the first docking fitment 101 may be engaged with support structures114 within the liquid product dispensing system 100 in order to hold andsupport the first liquid base product tube system 5. Once attached, thefirst central tubing section 103 may be placed within the first pump 4,and the second pump handle may be rotated to close the first pump 4.

By utilizing the second docking fitment 105 with the first gland 107 andthe first packaging fitment 109 with the second gland 111, replacementof the first liquid base product tube system 5 becomes as easy asopening the first pump 4, pulling the first docking fitment 101 from thefirst packaging fitment 109, and pulling the second docking fitment 105from the first pump tube 7. The first gland 107 and the second gland 111prevent undesirable fluid flow from the system during the removalprocess. As such, this embodiment allows the first liquid base producttube system 5 to be quickly and easily removed from the liquid productdispensing system 100. Such ease of removal and replacement makesmaintenance and repair of the liquid product dispensing system 100easier and more efficient, leading to less down time and lower costs.

FIG. 14 a illustrates a block diagram of sensor input and controlinterfaces of a microcontroller 24 that is utilized along with frontpanel inputs (not illustrated in FIG. 14 a but illustrated and describedbelow with respect to FIG. 14 d and FIG. 15) to control the liquidproduct dispensing system 100. However, while a microcontroller 24 isillustrated and described, any alternative device capable of controllingthe liquid product dispensing system 100, such as a microprocessor, acomputer, an application specific integrated circuit, dedicatedcircuitry, combinations of these, or the like, may alternatively beutilized.

In an embodiment, the microcontroller 24 receives inputs from theproduct chamber 1, including inputs from a first pump latch sensor 25, asecond pump latch sensor 26, a first pump revolutions per minute (RPM)sensor 27, a second pump RPM sensor 28, an air temperature sensor 29, orthe like. The engaging and disengaging of the first pump handle 54 (seeFIGS. 8 a and 8 b) triggers the first pump latch sensor 25 while theengaging and disengaging of the second pump handle on the first pump 4(not illustrated) trigger the second pump latch sensor 26 which thenprovides latch positioning data to the microcontroller 24. The firstpump RPM sensor 27 and the second pump RPM sensor 28 are used to providefeedback to the microcontroller 24 for controlling the speeds of thefirst pump 4 and the second pump 9. The air temperature sensor 29 isused to provide feedback to the microcontroller 24 for controlling thetemperature in the product chamber 1 by controlling the outputs to thecompressor 13, the compressor fan 81 (see FIG. 5), the water pump 17,and the circulation fans 22.

FIGS. 14 b and 14 c illustrate various inputs that the microcontroller24 receives from the chilled water tank 20, such as inputs from an icesensor 32, a high water sensor 33, a low water sensor 34, or the like.In an embodiment a sensor emitter 31 may input an alternating current(AC) signal of approximately 0.5 volts peak to peak into the waterwithin the chilled water tank 20 in order to create a circuit(represented in FIGS. 14 b and 14 c by the line 52) between the sensoremitter 31 and the ice sensor 32, the high water sensor 33, and the lowwater sensor 34. This AC signal when imposed on the water in series witha resistor, forms a voltage divider between the resistor and the waterdue to the water containing impurities. When water is present on thehigh water sensor 33 and the low water sensor 34 (as illustrated in FIG.14 b), the voltage signal is effectively “shorted out” resulting in thevoltage divider being very low. However, when water is present on thelow water sensor 34 but not on the high water sensor 33 (as illustratedin FIG. 14 c), the voltage signal is not divided between both the highwater sensor 33 and the low water sensor 34, and the resulting voltageis not as low. The signal, since it is an AC signal, is rectified toform a direct current (DC) signal. In the case of the high water sensor33 and the low water sensor 34, a DC signal indicates the lack of wateron the high water sensor 33 and/or the low water sensor 34.

FIG. 14 b additionally illustrates a case in which when ice 51 formsaround the evaporator coil 19 and the ice sensor 32 (with FIG. 14 cillustrating a case in which there is no ice 51 around the evaporatorcoil 19). In this embodiment, the ice 51 effectively forms an insulatorcausing the output of the voltage divider to not be “shorted out.” As aresult, the voltage from the voltage divider is much higher. Therectified DC signal is used to indicate the presence of the ice 51 inthe case of the ice sensor 32. The inputs from the sensor emitter 31,the ice sensor 32, the high water sensor 33, and the low water sensor 34are used by the microcontroller 24 to maintain a temperature and a waterlevel within the chilled water tank 20.

For example, in an embodiment, it is desired to turn off the water pump17 after a predetermined time of inactivity. While the water pump 17 isinactive, the microcontroller 24 checks the air temperature sensor 29 todetermine if the temperature of the product chamber 1 is above athreshold temperature, such as about 37° F. If the temperature is abovethis threshold temperature, the water pump 17 is turned back on to coolthe product chamber 1. In the embodiments in which the product chamber 1is heated to provide a hot liquid product, the water pump 17 is turnedback on to pump hot water after the temperature in the product chamber 1is below a threshold temperature.

The microcontroller 24 is also used to control valves in the liquidproduct dispensing system 100. In an embodiment drinking water valve 35is activated by the microcontroller 24 whenever drinking water isdispensed either for mixing the first liquid base product 2 and/or thesecond liquid base product 3 or for rinsing the nozzle 11. Optionally, aspare drinking water valve 36 may also be added in parallel with thedrinking water valve 35 in order to achieve higher desired water flowrates. Additionally, water tank fill valve 37 is activated bymicrocontroller 24 whenever the water level of the chilled water tank 20falls below the low water sensor 34. The water tank fill valve 37 isde-activated by the microcontroller 24 when the water level reaches thehigh water sensor 33.

FIG. 14 d illustrates a block diagram of the front panel inputs and thecontrol interfaces of the microcontroller 24 with respect to the userinterface 59 (shown in more detail in FIG. 15). In an embodiment theuser interface 59 includes a user interface display 50, which includes a4×20 characters LCD display, and the microcontroller 24 controls theuser interface display 50 via a serial control as is known in the artand not discussed herein. However, any suitable connection between themicrocontroller 24 and the user interface 59 may alternatively beutilized.

The microcontroller 24 receives multiple types of signals from the userinterface 59. For example, the microcontroller 24 receives signals thatindicate which recipe of product is desired as well as signals thatindicate the amount of product desired. For example, in an embodiment,product recipes are selected by a first product type button 44, a secondproduct type button 45, a third product type button 46, or a fourthproduct type button 47. The first product type button 44, the secondproduct type button 45, the third product type button 46, and the fourthproduct type button 47 can be programmed to deliver any product that canbe created by mixing the first liquid base product 2 and/or the secondliquid base product 3 in the liquid product dispensing system 100 withor without water. In an embodiment, the first product type button 44,the second product type button 45, the third product type button 46, andthe fourth product type button 47 are programmed to deliver dairyproduct recipes such as, e.g., nonfat milk, 1% milk, 2% milk, wholemilk, half and half, light cream, heavy cream, lactose free milk, highprotein milk, high calcium milk, reduced sugar milk, the like, or acombination thereof.

Similar to choosing the desired recipe, the microcontroller 24 alsoreceives signals indicating the amount of the desired product. Forexample, the microcontroller 24 receives signals from a first dispensebutton 38, a second dispense button 39, a third dispense button 40, afourth dispense button 41, or a fifth dispense button 42 on the userinterface 59. The first dispense button 38, the second dispense button39, the third dispense button 40, the fourth dispense button 41, or thefifth dispense button 42 are programmable to dispense any amount of thedesired product within the volume capabilities of the liquid productdispensing system 100, the first liquid base product 2, or the secondliquid base product 3. In an embodiment, the first dispense button 38,the second dispense button 39, the third dispense button 40, the fourthdispense button 41, and the fifth dispense button 42 select amounts ofdispensed products. In a specific embodiment, the first dispense button38, the second dispense button 39, the third dispense button 40, and thefourth dispense button 41 dispense predetermined amounts of the firstliquid base product 2 or the second liquid base product 3 while thefifth dispense button 42 is a “free flow” button allowing the user tocontrol the amount of the desired product to dispense based on how longthe user activates the “free flow” button. When the first dispensebutton 38, the second dispense button 39, the third dispense button 40,the fourth dispense button 41, or the fifth dispense button 42 isactivated, the microcontroller 24 dispenses a specific amount ofproduct. In another embodiment, the first dispense button 38, the seconddispense button 39, the third dispense button 40, the fourth dispensebutton 41, and the fifth dispense button 42 are used to provide moreproduct types.

The microcontroller 24 also receives signals from a door detect switch43, a left arrow button 48 and a right arrow button 49 of the userinterface 59 (see FIG. 10). The door detect switch 43 signals themicrocontroller 24 that one of doors or access panels on the liquidproduct dispensing system 100 is open, and this signal is used toprevent the liquid product dispensing system 100 from dispensing productor else to articulate a warning signal. The left arrow button 48 and theright arrow buttons 49 allow the user to navigate information displayedon the user interface display 50, such as product pages or program menusin service mode.

In operation, the microcontroller 24 controls the speed and duration ofthe first pump 4 and the second pump 9 according to the selection of thefirst dispense button 38, the second dispense button 39, the thirddispense button 40, the fourth dispense button 41, the fifth dispensebutton 42, the first product type button 44, the second product typebutton 45, the third product type button 46, and the fourth product typebutton 47. When the first product type button 44, the second producttype button 45, the third product type button 46, or the fourth producttype button 47 is activated the microcontroller 24 refers to a tablewhich provides the correct flow rate values of the first liquid baseproduct 2, the second liquid base product 3, and the drinking waterdesired to create a final beverage. The flow rate values are used tocalculate the correct speeds of the first pump 4 and/or the second pump9.

For example, if a user desires an extra large dispensing of 2% milk, theuser pushes the product type button 46 and the first dispense button 38,each of which sends signals to the microcontroller 24. Themicrocontroller 24 receives the signal from the product type button 46,looks up the proper proportions of the first liquid base product 2 andthe second liquid base product 3 from the recipe for 2% milk, and sendssignals to the first pump 4 and the second pump 9 to activate at anappropriate flow rate for each of the first pump 4 and the second pump9. In an embodiment, for 2% milk the microcontroller 24 controls theflow rate of the first pump 4 (which is pumping, e.g., cream) to a flowrate of about 0.109 oz/sec, while the microcontroller 24 controls theflow rate of the second pump 9 (which is pumping, e.g., skim) to a flowrate of about 0.477 oz/sec. These flow rates provide for the properratio of cream to skim to form 2% milk.

The microcontroller 24 also determines the duration that the first pump4 and the second pump 9 should pump from the signal received from thefirst dispense button 38 (in this example “XL”). For example, in anembodiment for an extra-large dispensing of 2% milk, the microcontroller24 activates the first pump 4 at a speed of 79 RPM contributing a totalflow rate of 0.109 oz/sec of cream base and activates the second pump 9at a speed of 328 RPM creating a total flow rate of 0.477 oz/sec ofnonfat milk concentrate base. Additionally, the microcontroller 24activates the drinking water valve 35 at a flow rate of 1.103 oz/sec.All three components are activated for a duration of about 10 sec todeliver approximately 16 oz of final product.

As another example, for a large dispensing of whole milk, themicrocontroller 24 activates the first pump 4 at a speed of 131 RPMcontributing a total flow rate of 0.180 oz/sec of cream base andactivates the second pump 9 at a speed of 302 RPM creating a total flowrate of 0.440 oz/sec of nonfat milk concentrate base. Additionally, themicrocontroller 24 activates the drinking water valve 35 at a flow rateof 0.980 oz/sec. All three components are activated for duration ofabout 7.5 sec to deliver approximately 12 oz of final product.

In yet another embodiment, for a medium dispensing of skim milk, themicrocontroller 24 activates the second pump 9 at a speed of 367 RPMcreating a total flow rate of 0.534 oz/sec of nonfat milk concentratebase. Additionally, the microcontroller 24 activates the drinking watervalve 35 at a flow rate of 1.065 oz/sec. All three components areactivated for a duration of about 5 sec to deliver approximately 8 oz offinal product.

As yet another example, for a small dispensing of ½ and ½ cream, themicrocontroller 24 activates the first pump 4 at a speed of 293 RPMcontributing a total flow rate of 0.403 oz/sec of cream base andactivates the second pump 9 at a speed of 105 RPM creating a total flowrate of 0.154 oz/sec of nonfat milk concentrate base. Additionally, themicrocontroller 24 activates the drinking water valve 35 at a flow rateof 0.543 oz/sec. All three components are activated for a duration ofabout 0.9 sec to deliver approximately 1 oz of final product.

However, while the examples described above have been explained indetail, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that these are butfour example of dispensing a liquid, and these examples are not intendedto limit the embodiments. Other suitable dispensing methods for otherdesired products or recipes, such as 1% milk, light cream, heavy cream,etc., may alternatively be utilized. Additionally, the precise flowrates and RPMs described above are but examples, and other suitable flowrates and RPMs may be utilized. Any such combinations or recipes arefully intended to be included within the scope of the embodiments.

In an embodiment, the speed of the first pump 4 and/or the second pump 9are controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. A PWMtechnique allows the current in the first pump 4 and/or the second pump9 to be varied in order to adjust the speed of the first pump 4 and/orthe second pump 9. A control loop with the first pump RPM sensor 27 andthe second pump RPM sensor 28 are employed to allow greater speedcontrol. The microcontroller 24 measures the speed of the first pump 4and the second pump 9 by way of the first pump RPM sensor 27 and thesecond pump RPM sensor 28 and make adjustments if the speed varies froma desired value.

In an embodiment, the control loop employs a Proportional Integral andDerivative (PID) control function. PID refers to the parameters used tocontrol the output of the microcontroller 24 to the first pump 4 and thesecond pump 9. The P parameter is related the percentage of error thatexists between the actual and target values. The I parameter is relatedto the total amount (or integral) of error that has accumulated sincethe beginning. The D parameter is related the amount of change in theerror that occurs. With these three parameters, the speed of the firstpump 4 and the second pump 9 are controlled.

FIG. 15 illustrates a user interface 59 according to an embodimentincluding the first dispense button 38, the second dispense button 39,the third dispense button 40, the fourth dispense button 41, the fifthdispense button 42, the first product type button 44, the second producttype button 45, the third product type button 46, the fourth producttype button 47, the left arrow button 48, the right arrow button 49, auser interface display 50, and light emitting diodes (LEDs) 60. In anembodiment, the user interface 59 is conformally covered by a membraneto protect the buttons and user interface display 50 from liquid anddebris and allow cleaning of the user interface 59. The user interface59 also includes four LEDS 60, with each LED 60 being located adjacentto a respective one of the first product type button 44, the secondproduct type button 45, the third product type button 46, and the fourthproduct type button 47. The LEDS 60 light up when the correspondingproduct type button is pressed to notify the user which product typebutton is selected.

In an embodiment the user interface display 50 also includes a productchamber temperature display 58 and text values for the first producttype button 44, the second product type button 45, the third producttype button 46, and the fourth product type button 47. The userinterface display 50 also notifies the user of the amount of the firstliquid base product 2 and second liquid base product 3 remaining bydisplaying a gauge 57 comprising blocks. In FIG. 10, each blockrepresents approximately 16.5% of the liquid base product. Six totalblocks displayed indicate a full container of product base. When eitherthe first liquid base product 2 or the second liquid base product 3 iscompletely consumed the user interface display notifies the user bydisplaying the text “EMPTY” in the area where the blocks are located. Ifthe first liquid base product 2 or the second liquid base product 3 isindicated to be “EMPTY,” the microcontroller 24 disables the liquidproduct dispensing system 100 from dispensing any product that requiresthe empty liquid base product.

However, although the gauge 57 has been described as blocks above, thegauge 57 may be displayed in other ways that can be perceived by a useras a gauge representing the amount of product base remaining in thedispensing machine, such as a percentage, a volume, other geometricshapes, the like, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the percentage amount of either the first liquid baseproduct 2 or the second liquid base product 3 remaining is calculated bysubtracting the amount of the first liquid base product 2 or the secondliquid base product 3 used by volume from the amount of the first liquidbase product 2 or the second liquid base product 3 that was in a fullcontainer for those products. This results are then divided by theamount of either the first liquid base product 2 or the second liquidbase product 3 that was in the fully container. This is seen in Equation1.

$\begin{matrix}{{{Percent}\mspace{14mu} {Remaining}} = \frac{\begin{matrix}{{{Starting}\mspace{14mu} {Amount}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Product}} -} \\{{Amount}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Product}\mspace{14mu} {Used}}\end{matrix}}{{Starting}\mspace{14mu} {Amount}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Product}}} & {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 1}\end{matrix}$

The amount of the first liquid base product 2 and/or the second liquidbase product 3 used on a given dispensation is calculated from thenumber of revolutions of the first pump 4 and the second pump 9,respectively, as measured by the first pump RPM sensor 27 and the secondpump RPM sensor 28. This revolution count will be converted to thevolume of the first liquid base product 2 or the second liquid baseproduct 3 used.

For example, at the beginning of each dispensation of a product, thecurrent revolution count is retrieved from the microcontroller 24. Atthe end of the each dispensation, this number will be updated with thenumber of revolutions that were involved in the dispensation. Thisupdated number is rewritten to the microcontroller 24 to be availablefor the next dispensation. When the first liquid base product 2 or thesecond liquid base product 3 are changed, the amount used of the firstliquid base product 2 or the second liquid base product 3 is reset whenthe first pump latch sensor 25 or the second pump latch sensor 26indicate that the first pump 4 or the second pump 9 have been opened andclosed (see FIGS. 8 a and 8 b).

However, while the above description is a suitable method fordetermining how much of the first liquid base product 2 or the secondliquid base product 3 remain, the embodiments are not intended to belimited as such. For example, in another embodiment the amount of thefirst liquid base product 2 or the second liquid base product 3remaining may also be calculated by incorporating a weight sensor intothe product chamber 1 under each one of the first liquid base productpackaging 6 and the second liquid base product packaging 74. The weightsensor then measures the amount of the first liquid base product 2 orthe second liquid base product 3 remaining by weight. This and any othersuitable method for measuring the amount of the first liquid baseproduct 2 or the second liquid base product 3 that remain mayalternatively be utilized, and all such methods are fully intended to beincluded within the scope of the embodiments.

Embodiments as described above achieve many advantages. The liquidproduct dispensing system 100 can dispense two or more dairy baseproducts to form many different dairy products known by consumers andcan meet the regulatory standards. The different dairy products can bemade by combining the dairy base products together prior to mixing thecombined products with water, which allows for an efficient mixingprocess. The flexible, disposable tubing and the quick change tubesystem of the pumps may allow for quick and sanitary replacement of thedairy base products with minimal interruption to the dispensing of dairyproducts.

Although the present embodiments and their advantages have beendescribed in detail, it should be understood that various changes,substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appendedclaims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intendedto be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine,manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, and steps describedin the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed, that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure.Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within theirscope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pump system comprising: a first pump roller; afirst pump door movable between a first position and a second position,wherein the first pump door is configured to pump in conjunction withthe first pump roller in the first position; and a first pump handleconfigured to movably rotate between a third position and fourthposition, wherein the first pump handle is configured to engage thefirst pump door with the first pump roller in the first position and torelease the first pump door from engaging with the first pump roller inthe second position.
 2. The pump system of claim 1, further comprising afirst liquid base product tube located between the first pump roller andthe first pump door when the first pump door is in the first position.3. The pump system of claim 2, further comprising a first liquid baseproduct package in connection with the first liquid base product tube,wherein the first pump roller and the first pump door are configured topump a first liquid from the first liquid base product package.
 4. Thepump system of claim 3, further comprising: a second pump rollerlaterally removed from the first pump roller; a second pump door movablebetween a fifth position and a sixth position, wherein the second pumpdoor is configured to pump in conjunction with the second pump roller inthe fifth position; and a second pump handle configured to movablerotate between a seventh position and an eighth position, wherein thesecond pump handle is configured to engage the second pump door with thesecond pump roller in the seventh position and to release the secondpump door from engaging with the second pump roller in the eighthposition.
 5. The pump system of claim 4, further comprising a secondliquid base product tube located between the second pump roller and thesecond pump door when the second pump door is in the fifth position. 6.The pump system of claim 5, further comprising a second liquid baseproduct package in connection with the second liquid base product tube,wherein the second pump roller and the second pump door are configuredto pump a second liquid from the second liquid base product package. 7.The pump system of claim 6, wherein the first liquid is cream and thesecond liquid is concentrated skim milk.
 8. The pump system of claim 6,further comprising a mixer connected to receive the first liquid and thesecond liquid and having an output.
 9. The pump system of claim 8,further comprising a water line connected to the output.
 10. The pumpsystem of claim 1, further comprising a door link coupled to the firstpump door.
 11. A system for dispensing a liquid product, the systemcomprising: a first storage container storing a first liquid baseproduct; a first product tube, wherein a first end of the first producttube is coupled to the first storage container, and wherein the firstliquid base product can pass through the first product tube; a firstpump tube coupled to a second end of the first product tube; and a firstpump engaged with the first product tube between the first end of thefirst product tube and the second end of the first product tube, whereinthe first pump further comprises: a first pump roller; and a first pumpdoor on an opposite side of the first product tube from the first pumproller, wherein the first pump door can rotate from a closed position toan open position, wherein the first pump door is engaged with the firstpump tube in the closed position.
 12. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising a connector between the first pump tube and the first storagecontainer, wherein the connector is a quick release connector.
 13. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the first pump is a peristaltic pump. 14.The system of claim 11, further comprising a pump handle, wherein thepump handle is rotatable to engage the first pump door with the firstpump roller.
 15. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a secondstorage container storing a second liquid base product; a second producttube, wherein a first end of the second product tube is coupled to thesecond storage container, and wherein the second liquid base product canpass through the second product tube; a second pump tube coupled to asecond end of the second product tube; and a second pump engaged withthe second product tube between the first end of the second product tubeand the second end of the second product tube, wherein the second pumpfurther comprises: a second pump roller; and a second pump door on anopposite side of the second product tube from the second pump roller,wherein the second pump door can rotate from a closed position to anopen position, the closed position allowing the second pump roller topump the second liquid base product through the second product tube. 16.The system of claim 15, further comprising: a mixing chamber locatedbetween the first pump tube and the second pump tube, wherein the mixingchamber receives the first liquid base product and the second liquidbase product; and a nozzle coupled to an output of the mixing chamberand to a water source.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the firstliquid base product is a cream component and wherein the second liquidbase product is a concentrated skim milk component.
 18. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the first product tube is a disposable tube.
 19. Asystem for dispensing a liquid dairy product, the system comprising; afirst milk base product in a first milk base product package; a secondmilk base product in a second milk base product package; a mixingchamber connected to receive the first milk base product from the firstmilk base product package and also connected to receive the second milkbase product from the second milk base product package, wherein themixing chamber comprises a first entrance to receive the first milk baseproduct, a second entrance to receive the second milk base product, andan outlet to output a first dairy product; a nozzle connected to theoutlet of the mixing chamber; and a water source connected to thenozzle, wherein the nozzle outputs a second dairy product.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the second dairy product is a liquidselected from a group consisting of nonfat milk, 1% milk, 2% milk, wholemilk, half and half, light cream, heavy cream, lactose free milk, highprotein milk, high calcium milk, reduced sugar milk, and a combinationthereof.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the first dairy product isa different dairy product than the second dairy product.
 22. The systemof claim 19, wherein the first milk base product is a cream.
 23. Thesystem of claim 22, wherein the second milk base product is aconcentrated skim base.
 24. A method of dispensing a beverage, themethod comprising: pumping a first component into a mixing chamber;pumping a second component into the mixing chamber, the second componentmixing with the first component to make a first concentrate; flowing thefirst concentrate from the mixing chamber into a nozzle; and mixing thefirst concentrate with water at the nozzle to form a first drink; anddispensing the first drink.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein thefirst component is a cream base and the second component is aconcentrated skim base.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the firstdrink is a liquid selected from a group consisting of nonfat milk, 1%milk, 2% milk, whole milk, half and half, light cream, heavy cream,lactose free milk, high protein milk, high calcium milk, reduced sugarmilk, and a combination thereof.
 27. The method of claim 24, furthercomprising chilling the water prior to the mixing the first concentrate.28. A method for changing materials in a beverage dispensing system, themethod comprising: rotating a pump door handle to release a pump door;moving the pump door to disengage the pump door from a first productbase tube located between the pump door and a pump roller; removing thefirst product base tube from between the pump door and the pump roller;placing a second product base tube between the pump door and the pumproller; and rotating the pump door handle to engage the pump door withthe second product base tube and the pump roller.
 29. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the removing the first product base tube furthercomprises removing a first product base package with the first productbase tube.
 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising placing asecond product base package into the beverage dispensing system alongwith the placing the second product base tube between the pump door andthe pump roller.
 31. The method of claim 28, further comprisingdisconnecting the first product base tube from a pump tube prior toremoving the first product base tube from between the pump door and thepump roller.
 32. The method of claim 28, wherein the removing the firstproduct base tube from between the pump door and the pump roller furthercomprises disconnecting the first product base tube from a first productbase package.
 33. The method of claim 28, further comprising attachingthe second product base tube to a first pump tube.
 34. A system fordispensing a liquid product, the system comprising: a first storagecontainer storing a first liquid base product; a first product tubecomprising: a first docking fitment coupled to the first storagecontainer through a first gland; and a first central tubing sectioncoupled to the first docking fitment; a first pump tube coupled to thefirst central tubing section; and a first pump engaged with the firstcentral tubing section, wherein the first pump further comprises: afirst pump roller; and a first pump door on an opposite side of thefirst central tubing section from the first pump roller, wherein thefirst pump door can rotate from a closed position to an open position,wherein the first pump door is engaged with the first central tubingsection in the closed position.
 35. The system of claim 34, wherein thefirst docking fitment further comprises a barb flange.
 36. The system ofclaim 34, wherein the first pump tube is coupled to the first centraltubing section utilizing a second docking fitment coupled to the firstcentral tubing section, the second docking fitment comprising a secondgland.
 37. The system of claim 34, wherein the first gland is silicone.38. The system of claim 34, wherein the first gland further comprisesone or more slits.
 39. The system of claim 34, wherein the first glandis part of a first packaging fitment connected to the first storagecontainer.
 40. The system of claim 39, wherein the first packagingfitment is permanently attached to the first storage container.
 41. Amethod for changing tubing in a beverage dispensing system, the methodcomprising: rotating a pump door handle to release a pump door; movingthe pump door to disengage the pump door from a pump roller; inserting afirst docking fitment into a first gland of a first product basepackage, the first docking fitment being coupled to a first centertubing section of a first product base tube; placing the first centertubing section between the pump door and the pump roller; and rotatingthe pump door handle to engage the pump door with the first centertubing section.
 42. The method of claim 41, further comprising couplingthe first center tubing section to a first pump tube by inserting thefirst pump tube into a second gland, the second gland being part of asecond docking fitment coupled to the first center tubing section. 43.The method of claim 41, further comprising removing a second productbase tube from between the pump door and the pump roller after themoving the pump door and prior to the placing the first center tubingsection between the pump door and the pump roller.
 44. The method ofclaim 43, wherein the removing the second product base tube furthercomprises: removing the second product base tube from the first gland;and removing the second product base tube from between the pump door andthe pump roller.
 45. The method of claim 41, further comprisingattaching barb flanges on the first docking fitment to supportstructures within the beverage dispensing system.